Owners urged to keep pets safe in warm weather

Guernsey's deputy vet has shared her advice on keeping pets cool in the hot weather.

Grace Hodgkinson said pets should be kept out of the sun during the heat of the day and given access to drinking water and, where appropriate, sunscreen.

Guernsey Met said temperatures were expected to peak at 28C on Friday.

"Ultimately, we'd give pet owners the same advice that a doctor would give about children in the sun, so keep them out of the sun during the heat of the day when UV is at its highest," Ms Hodgkinson said.

She added dogs should only be taken to the beach later in the day when it was cooler and all pets must have access to shade, drinking water and also sun cream, if needed, to help them in the heat.

"Swimming is fantastic for cooling pets down and it's a great way to exercise your dog during the heat, and horses, for example, like to go in the sea as well," she said.

But she urged owners to keep pets' body temperatures "pretty stable".

She advised against pets being allowed to bask in the sun on the beach and then enter the sea.

Ms Hodgkinson said cat owners might have difficulty keeping their pets indoors as they enjoy roaming around and basking in the sunshine.

In this case, pet-friendly products could be used such as sunscreen.

"You just need to make sure you get the one which is specific to your pet and one that is waterproof," she added.

"Do not use any human products on your pets because they can have toxic substances inside of them."

Ms Hodgkinson said all animals needed a 24-hour supply of drinking water.

She said animals kept in hutches outdoors, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, should have access to shade all the time.

This story is part of BBC Guernsey's Sun Safety Campaign.

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